Cory's Corner: Bringing Randall Cobb Back Makes Sense

Could Randall Cobb really come back to the Packers?

Cobb signed a one-year deal with Dallas last year for $4.9 million. I wasn't on board with the Packers bringing Cobb back last year because there was a chance that it could hurt the young upstarts. It was time to put faith in guys like Geronimo Allison.

Boy was I wrong.

Allison was the team leader in slot snaps last year with 496 according to Pro Football Focus. That was good for 65 percent of all passing snaps. Allen Lazard was next with 41 percent, followed by Davante Adams at 23 percent, Marquez Valdes-Scantling's 11 percent and Jake Kumerow at 9 percent.

The thing is, Allison got that many chances last year, but didn't show much. He only caught 15 of 24 passes between the numbers, including a couple drops. That is where a slot receiver makes his money. He needs to be the quarterback's safety blanket -- especially when things go sideways.

That's where Cobb steps in. Cobb obvioulsy will gather a list and choose from the best suitors. But judging from the short window that the Packers are currently in, it's time to bring the 29-year-old back to Green Bay.

But it doesn't just work for the Packers. It also works for Cobb. Having played with Aaron Rodgers for eight seasons, Cobb has a pretty good idea of what No. 12 wants. He is nearing the top of his career mountaintop and there aren't many NFL receivers that would want to catch passes from a third straight different quarterback in as many years.

It also makes sense because the Packers' tight end position has been a train wreck ever since Jermichael Finley wore green and gold in 2013. Jace Sternberger was drafted in the third round last year, but has only played in six games.

Adding Cobb would also give general manager Brian Gutekunst some breathing room with the draft. Right now, Gutekunst has to hit on a receiver as well as a a defensive lineman and an inside linebacker. Even if Cobb joins the Packers, Gutekunst will likely still add a wideout in the draft, but it definitely won't be as dire.

However, does Cobb feel sore that the Packers didn't bring him back last year? He may have some hard feelings, but a whole new regime may also change his attitude.

Bringing Cobb back on a two-year deal makes sense for both sides. Last year he proved that he can still play and now he will want to show that he can still do it with his old passing buddy.  

 

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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn

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Comments (56)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
NickPerry's picture

February 18, 2020 at 07:08 am

I brought this up last week after I read it by another Packers writer who suggested it. I don't think it's a horrible idea but it would REALLY depend on what it would cost. I always liked Cobb and wasn't really in favor of letting him walk,ESPECIALLY over $4.9 million dollars.

He caught 55 passes for like 828 yards and 3 TD's. Even more impressive was his 15.1 YPR average and he stayed relatively healthy...15 games played IIRC. But the 2 main reasons I don't think it's a bad idea is the Packers were horrible from the slot last year. Cobb would be a HUGE upgrade over anyone they have on the roster right now. But the main reason is Cobb knows exactly what 12 wants when the ball isn't thrown on time which we know is going to happen with AR. It's just what he does.

I doubt $4.9 million is going to do it this year and that's where I sour on the idea. IF the Packers could bring him in for 2 years at $5 million per season with incentives for more then I'm more than open. But with McCarthy in Dallas I'd imagine he'd love to have Cobby in Dallas. Last year we had hope in MVS, Allison, Davis, and ESB. Davis is gone. Allison is as good as gone. I don't have a bit of trust in MVS, and ESB is still a big question. Lazard is best outside so there is a place for Cobb. Another thing to consider is Cobb is a pretty damn good blocker for a guy his size.

It doesn't cost a thing to check it out. IMO Gute will do just that and do what's best for the Packers and again it's not a bad idea IMO.

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Guam's picture

February 18, 2020 at 08:28 am

Its not only the money to Cobb, but what signing him in FA blocks the Packers from doing with other free agent signings. $5 million (or more) to Cobb likely means no FA defensive line help assuming we resign Bulaga and Crosby. This draft is deep in wide receivers and shallow in D-linemen. Reverse the logic and sign a DL in FA where there is a good pool of FA talent and draft a WR in a draft deep in WRs.

You can't look at these situations in isolation. I think it would be great to have Cobb back, but it just doesn't make sense for the team since we will likely be left with a hole on the DL as the top college DLs will be long gone by #30.

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Leatherhead's picture

February 18, 2020 at 09:38 am

Let’s continue to run McCarthys offense and throw a lot to a bunch of high dollar WRs.

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Leatherhead's picture

February 18, 2020 at 12:20 pm

Guam, I’m becoming more skeptical about us getting a DL that significantly improves our defense. We only carry 6 on the 53. Clark, Lowry, and Lancaster are locks. Fadol Brown and Keke are near locks. Adams can be replaced, but you are unlikely to upgrade Clark-Lancaster-Lowry.

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dobber's picture

February 18, 2020 at 12:44 pm

Fadol Brown was released in October.

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Guam's picture

February 18, 2020 at 03:45 pm

The Packers should have $4-5 million to sign a FA DL assuming the Crosby, Bulaga and Lewis contracts are all reasonable. According to PFF, that should get us a run stopping mid-range DL (Pierce?). We will be out of the market for a top end DL like Hargrave, but mid-range is still possible.

I agree that Clark, Lowery and Lancaster are locks and Keke probably as well but I believe Adams is gone and that leaves a spot open for the FA DL. I am fairly optimistic Gute has the resources and the spot available to do a deal.

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jannes bjornson's picture

February 18, 2020 at 05:38 pm

I would consider Clark and Keke locks, the rest is open to competition. Good value players at the DT free agents. Probably 5M price tags. the Bulaga question is the stickler. Remember Bhaktiari is due after 2020 and he is a guy that deserves the third contract. If the personnel dept likes an OT in the mid=first round, don't be surprised on a move Up in April. It will depend on how they want to negotiate Clark's deal vs Bulaga.

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Spock's picture

February 18, 2020 at 07:21 am

Cory, You need some serious editing on this article. You repeated at least three entire paragraphs from top to bottom. As for Cobb: he was somewhat healthy last year but has a slight build and, despite being a warrior about injuries, he is getting older and players his size tend to get hurt more. He's older so more likely to lose his quickness and that is not a good thing for a slot receiver. I always liked him as a player but I don't think going older at WR is a Gute-type plan. I'm not against bringing him back just don't think he'd "makes sense" as your article states.

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CoryJennerjohn's picture

February 18, 2020 at 09:49 am

Thanks. My copy and paste function was doing backflips. Appreciate it.

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4zone's picture

February 18, 2020 at 08:15 am

I think you got a bit of duplication in your story there Cory.

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4zone's picture

February 18, 2020 at 08:23 am

By the way, I was in the tin minority who wasn't trying to heave RC out the window last year like so many others. I felt that although his numbers may not have been all-world, he was valuable on third downs and making tough YAC. He would have been a great offset for DA.

I'd definitely go after him this off season AND draft a WR in Rds 1 or 2. It would be a great combo that works short term and long and wouldn't cost a fortune. I did some research a few weeks back on our WR draft picks and their first year productivity. Straight down the line, receivers taken in Rd 1 and 2 all did well, those picked later did poorly, Driver was the only outlier in terms of good careers. So banking on the guys we have now, outside of DA is a statistically bad decision. We are going to need to draft high probably for a couple years to really load this team up again. For now, Cobb can fill the gap well, and help new guys get up to speed.

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dobber's picture

February 18, 2020 at 07:33 am

Why did God put our eyes on the fronts of our heads?

So we can look forward...Cobb is backward.

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Iain's picture

February 18, 2020 at 08:56 am

Agreed

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pacman's picture

February 18, 2020 at 11:22 am

Cobbs isn't backward. He is an upgrade from a mistake that put trust in other WR's. That's why we don't have blinders on - so we can look backwards and see if we made a mistake.

What might have been if Packers had another WR that AR trusted and therefore wouldn't look for the long ball. Give the prima dona what he needs since you can't seem to control him.

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CAG123's picture

February 18, 2020 at 12:53 pm

Wow it took you a minute but you found a way to bash Rodgers

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mrtundra's picture

February 19, 2020 at 09:14 am

Correct! Will we soon be talking about the merits of bringing Mike Daniels back? Forward is the State Motto. Follow it!

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RCPackerFan's picture

February 18, 2020 at 07:41 am

I love Cobb. Really do!

But at this point I only bring Cobb back if they don't get anyone else in FA and don't come away with some top draft picks at WR. Cobb would be a good fit in this offense but we need to find the next Cobb.
We need to build towards the future.

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CoryJennerjohn's picture

February 18, 2020 at 09:52 am

I agree. The Packers need to find the next Cobb. However, on a two-year deal, I think Cobb can be very valuable. Especially if he could mentor young wideouts.

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Leatherhead's picture

February 18, 2020 at 09:57 pm

We need to find the next Ahman Greene. The Future is running people over in the playoffs.

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flackcatcher's picture

February 19, 2020 at 10:16 am

The next Ahman Greene could be there at 30? On Wisconsin...

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stockholder's picture

February 18, 2020 at 07:44 am

Let's just forget the draft. Trade all the picks, and bring back every packer thats playing in the NFL. Of all your ideas Cory, I think this is the worst. Cobb in a Wr deep Draft? Quit Living in the past. Are the packers your concern, or Rodgers? Why worry about Cobbs feelings now? He let us down. Is MM next.? Heck, RAGI makes more sense then Cobb. Bringing Cobb back only means you lost faith in LeFluer and Gute. Our staff is new. Please show more patience.

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HankScorpio's picture

February 18, 2020 at 08:10 am

If you mean the "next" Randall Cobb, ie Lynn Bowden, I am on board with adding him. If you mean actually adding the original Randall Cobb, I pass. As much as they need WR help, cap resources are better spent elsewhere this offseason

This is the deepest WR draft class in a while. They should add 2 from it. As deep as this class goes, they can find value at practically any point in the draft.

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Tundraboy's picture

February 18, 2020 at 10:50 am

If we didn't have so many holes it would be nice to have him. Use the strength of the draft for WR and save the money for free agent DLs we will most definitely need.

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jannes bjornson's picture

February 18, 2020 at 05:41 pm

What did Dallas do in the playoffs??

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NickPerry's picture

February 19, 2020 at 04:06 am

What did MVS, Kumerow, or Allison do??

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flackcatcher's picture

February 19, 2020 at 10:23 am

(sigh...) All last season I wish we had Cobb or Nelson back. Even a older Nelson running those precise routes with Rodgers trust. BUT, Gute made his decision. ' That was yesterday. And yesterday's gone...'

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Leatherhead's picture

February 19, 2020 at 06:31 pm

Actually, I think the Packers got some good production from the WRs not named Adams.

MSV, Allison, and Lazard caught 93 pas

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Leatherhead's picture

February 19, 2020 at 06:38 pm

Actually, I think the Packers got some good production from the WRs not named Adams.

MSV, Allison, and Lazard caught nearly 100 passes in around 160 targets. Kumerow mostly backed up Adams. All of those guys made some big catches in close wins.

IMO, you replace Allison with ESB and upgrade the TE position and you have plenty of passing options, including the backs.

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Packer_Fan's picture

February 18, 2020 at 08:57 am

This makes as much sense as bringing back Matthews last year. Yes, he had some life in him. But what BG did last year was the absolute right thing. How about signing a Berriman or Sharpe, ascending players that have a chance of getting better rather that signing Cobb whose skill will only decay.

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Dzehren's picture

February 18, 2020 at 09:00 am

Pass on Cobb. GB needs an acending, younger WR.

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Since'61's picture

February 18, 2020 at 09:19 am

I would bring Cobb back on a team friendly one year contract, $2.5 million or less. Add a WR or 2 via the draft for our other outside WR.
Chuck Allison and MVS. Give Lazard a chance to continue to develop behind Cobb for more season. If Cobb's price is too high then move on. Thanks, Since '61

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Bure9620's picture

February 18, 2020 at 09:54 am

I would as well Since '61, however if I am not mistaken Cobb made $5 mil last year with the Cowboys and will likely get close to that this year.

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jannes bjornson's picture

February 18, 2020 at 10:30 am

He made 5 M this past season and is projected in the 7 M /yr range on the free agency market. The logical choice is to spend the cash on DT/DE and draft 1-2 WRs from this draft. Cut bait and keep moving.

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dobber's picture

February 18, 2020 at 11:06 am

Cobb will be one of the more proven WR commodities on FA market riddled with inconsistent players and problem children. He will benefit from that.

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Bure9620's picture

February 18, 2020 at 09:53 am

Would Cobb be open to a short-term, team friendly deal averaging under $5 mil?? That is likely all the Packers would offer if they offer at all. Not sure about that, he would likely get more elsewhere. He would have to have a desire to come back.

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Dragon5's picture

February 18, 2020 at 09:50 am

Cory, if you're having a hard time moving on, try an article with a now short-term & cap-friendly Mike Daniels instead. Last time I checked the left side of the DL gave up those monster runs to Mostert.

-->Amendola<--is the "vet" answer in the slot...that is if he's not already hitched to the Brady Bandwagon

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scullyitsme's picture

February 18, 2020 at 10:28 am

Bringing back Randall Cobb would’ve made sense last year. This year I don’t think anyone who watched the packers last year are still on the “they just need to get reps” except maybe Nagler and Cory. This year our whole wr Corp needs to be dumped and replaced with younger, faster. The only exceptions are Adams #1 and Lazard maybe as a #4. Maybe esb does something. Now Cobb another year older, I’d take my chances, since this year nobody believes in the Allison, kumerow, mvs fairy tales. Do what you should of done last year and replace them all. I’d rather draw 4 cards with an ace than keep the crap in my hand.

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CAG123's picture

February 18, 2020 at 10:37 am

I swear we do this every year “Bring back Jordy” “Bring back Lang” “Bring back Cobb”.....NO! We’re going into the second year of this offense and y’all already looking backwards. Just like the defense still needs more pieces so does the offense and it’s time the Packers invest in that side of the ball with either the most polished WR they can find at 30 or a FA. I’m sorry but nothing about Gute says he’s in the business of looking backwards hell TT only brought someone back once that I could think of so we’ll be seeing Cobb in a year or two when he signs his one day contract to retire a Packer.

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Matt Gonzales's picture

February 18, 2020 at 11:00 am

I would love to see either Cobb back sentimentally, but I'd also love to see Monty back so ymmv on how much my judgement can be trusted.

For versatility sake it would be great if they had a slot receiver that is also comfortable playing out of the backfield. I could see the Packers doing a lot of damage on no-huddle alternating between 2-back and 4-wide type sets without having to switch personnel.

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PatrickGB's picture

February 18, 2020 at 11:24 am

The article begs the question, Is it better to draft for the future or do we go for “ all in and win it now?” The issue of bringing back Cobb is but an example of the question.
To me I think we don’t really have the cap room for a “go all in” move. So we have to draft for the future and take our lumps with rookies learning the system and growing into their position. As others have noted, a cheap FA is ok on a short term deal.

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jannes bjornson's picture

February 18, 2020 at 02:10 pm

Gutedkunst has to hit on his first four picks. Get Football players, not Projects. They will have about 23-24M to play with in free agency( less rookie deals and rainy day fund). The idea of bringing back Bulaga is still the risk evaluation, as was Cobb in 2019. Bring back a reliable, veteran at X amount of CAP and Hope he doesn't get injured, or go for the high picks in the draft at less cost.

1 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

February 18, 2020 at 11:44 am

Geez...
Moving on from players in Green Bay is so hard for so many here and the only thing that rivals that is the overwhelming desire to bring back those who were let go.

The phrase, 'Move on/Move along does not exist in a Dojo for Packer fans.

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JohnnyLogan's picture

February 18, 2020 at 12:01 pm

My only reason for bringing Cobb back is that he is insurance against Gute screwing up another draft. His 2018 draft is close to a disaster. 2019 only slightly better. He had the #12 pick last year and missed about as bad as you can, taking a project, an underachiever in college because he's big and runs fast. Unfortunately, he's not that good at football. Oh, if only he'd have taken Hollywood Brown, or Wilkins or almost anyone else there'd be one less need this year. Gute hasn't yet shown he's good at this draft thing. Cobb is at least a known commodity. He's not what he was, but was once a great player and not that old. For the right price, and to protect against Gute, he should be brought back.

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ILPackerBacker's picture

February 18, 2020 at 12:04 pm

Cobb was "BAD" in his last year in GB. Not average, not JAG. He was "BAD". Dropped passes, fumbles, being in the wrong spot.

WORST OF ALL that was the year he took snaps from younger players who needed them. Instead of wasting this year on guys we should have found out about the year before. Now it is a good idea to bring a 2 year older "BAD" player who changed nothing in Dallas despite being the # 3 receiver with a real league wide # 1 WR, a real TE, a game dominating OL and running back and a # 2 WR. Drops and fumbles and not being where he was supposed to be. But some stats.

Look where and why for the stats.

"MENTOR"? What does that even mean? If you need filler get some better than that. There are coaches up the yin yang there. Adams is already "MENTORING" according to the homer press.

Cobb was not talented enough then. He is not talented enough now. He won't be talented enough next year. We need to cut these left over scraps. Forget the Boykin is a star in the making, that GMO is the real deal and that Janis and Abby will develop.

We need a real receiver either by FA or high draft choice.

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egbertsouse's picture

February 18, 2020 at 12:19 pm

I agree with your take on mentoring. It’s overrated. There is a story, and I wish I could remember the names, about a team who acquired a veteran WR who was asked by a reporter if he was going to mentor the younger receivers. “Yeah,” he said, “ I’m going to mentor them right over to the bench.”

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Packersfan62's picture

February 20, 2020 at 12:48 am

For someone to hide behind their computer and say he wasn't good enough. Have you ever played 1 snap in the NFL. He was one of your best receivers that you had the last 8 years. The last 2 years he played hurt and 1 year he had Hundley throwing the ball. I bet if you ask Rodgers if he wanted Cobb back ,he would say HELL yeah. For someone to say he was in the wrong place on the field, on 3rd down who did Rodgers look for? Cobb delivered more times than not. Who came back off a broken leg and beat the Bears, who scored 3 tds to beat the Gaints? I guess he was in the wrong places then too. Maybe he should have left after 2014,but he didn't because he was loyal to the Packers. He could've gotten more money elsewhere. But, you know nothing about that do you? Jones, Nelson and Cobb were all loyal to the Packers and you dog them out like this. I'm not so much a fan like you

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marpag1's picture

February 18, 2020 at 12:35 pm

I've made my peace with my mistake: I always overvalued Randall Cobb. To be clear, I NEVER thought that Cobb was worthy of the big 40 million dollar contract that he got. But even so, I still overvalued him. Maybe he just seemed like a nice guy.

If you take away the one season that got Cobb paid - which is the ONLY season that he has surpassed 1,000 yards receiving, and which is the ONLY season when he had double digit TD receptions - how many yards per season did Cobb average in Green Bay?

On average.... 605. Yeah, I know he had a few injury seasons in there. But still, other than that one year, he averaged 605 yards. And 4 TDs.

Damn.

Unless he's willing to sign for a bargain basement, veteran's minimum type offer, good luck with your next team, Randall.

5 points
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Packersfan62's picture

February 20, 2020 at 12:22 am

Without Cobb you never beat the Bears to go to the playoffs in the 8 years. Some of the same fans that's hating on him now wish they had him this pass year. I know 12 wish he had him back. You had NO other receivers to play the slot. He had more yards out of the slot than 5 of the receivers you had this year. He played hurt the last 2 years he was there and If I was him I wouldn't look that way for a league minimum salary. Just like you did to Jordy Nelson.

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marpag1's picture

February 20, 2020 at 01:54 am

LOL.

Your CHTV bio says that you have posted 8 comments on the site. All of those comments were under articles about Randall Cobb. Your home town is shown as Maryville, TN, which is the home town of Randall Cobb. You joined CHTV in 2011, which is the year that Randall Cobb was drafted by the Packers.

Thanks for your input, Randall, but I still think that you are overrated.

LOL.

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Ryan3468's picture

February 18, 2020 at 12:56 pm

Never pay a little and old man a lot of money to play this game. Cobb is one of the oldest 29 year olds in the league. Geronimo Allison is bad at sports. We should be able to improve not only the depth at wide receivers, but also the production from last year. We could get worse, but I can’t see that. Onward and upwards. I truly hope the running back we drafted last year can be in the mix. Jace Sternberger should be stepping up. Possibly Tonyan. Wide Receiver beyond Davante Adams? Could MVS’s allergy to the football be cured? There is that kid coming off of IR as well. EQ St Brown. Draft some wide receiver that can catch, block, and run routes. Cobb for cheap would sadly be an improvement at least from last year. Just wouldn’t go back to the well with him unless he is really cheap.

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wildbill's picture

February 18, 2020 at 02:16 pm

Cobb is a warrior but his injury past would worry me. Older, smaller, players seem more injury prone except for our Williams but he delivers the hit, not takes them. Pass on him to get an ascending player who will grow as it’s been stated that Cobb knows Aaron well but it’s a new offense that comes with a learning curve

4 points
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SterlingSharpe's picture

February 18, 2020 at 07:30 pm

Depends on the #?

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

February 18, 2020 at 09:03 pm

FA money is going to be tight. I'm not sure Cobb is the best use of it. Maybe if he's very affordable.

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croatpackfan's picture

February 19, 2020 at 01:46 am

"Cory's Corner: Bringing Randall Cobb Back Makes Sense"

NO

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AgrippaLII's picture

February 19, 2020 at 03:27 pm

Bringing Cobb back makes absolutely no sense to me...too many WR's available in this years draft. The priorities for this team are RT and DL.

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fastmoving's picture

February 21, 2020 at 02:35 am

Dont get the WR thing, when the the other end of the pass is the problem? We are better than most other teams at WRs. Dont get the trust BS either, must be some kind of code for whatever. Dont know how much you can trust AR to just hit the wide open guy, 10 yards down the field?
And by the way, what does that mentor thing really mean? He can not play anymore, but he can tell the younger guys how he thinks they should play? For 3 million? Dont know whats that worth and why the coaches can do it way better ?

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